Digging deeper for root causes to health issues
through gene testing
– Do you struggle with chronic fatigue? Do you react to food? Or do you experience multiple symptoms of inflammation? And are you trying to find suitable treatments for your problems? Maybe now is the time for a gene check?
Humans have thousands of genes, and we all have some variations in our gene code that make us unique. These variations are called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). Some of these variations are functional like for hair color or bitter taste, some have little or no impact and others can cause devastating health issues.
Genes hold the coding for how to create and maintain our cells. Their DNA consists of 4 bases that are abbreviated A, T, G, and C. Humans have billions of genes, and we all have some variations in our gene code that make us unique. Genes are passed on from parents to children. So if you received a C base from your mother and a C base from your father, this gene would be coded CC. If we look at the HLA-DQA1 gene, one of several genes responsible for gluten tolerance, we find CC is considered “normal” coding. But if you received a C base from your mother and a T base from your father then the gene is coded CT, which is considered a heterozygous mutation. This coding is strongly associated with gluten intolerance. It is also possible to receive a T base from both mother and father. This would be considered a stronger – homozygous – mutation and is even more likely to cause gluten intolerance.
So what is epigenetics and nutrigenomics?
Epigenetics looks at gene function and expression in order to locate our potential weak links. However gene mutations don’t necessarily cause problems. How and even whether a particular gene is expressed depends on a myriad of external factors such as diet, stress levels, infections, toxin load and chemical exposure.
Nutrigenomics is an emerging field that focuses on the effect of nutrients on gene expression. It provides protocols for targeted and customized diet, supplements, and treatment, based on both an individual’s genes, as well as additional biochemistry markers. As epigenetics shows us, we are all different and a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work for everyone, so nutrigenomics tells us which types of treatments are more likely to work for each individual.
One example of this is the generally recommended daily allowance for B-12. Some people can absorb all they need from a standard Western diet, but others will need much more B-12 depending on their MTR and MTRR genes. Higher quality supplements offer methylcobalamin – a readily usable form of B-12. But unfortunately, if you have mutations on the COMT genes, this form of B-12 decreases your ability to break down methyl groups. As a result, for some people, methylcobalamin can cause a variety of symptoms including overstimulation, anxiety and insomnia.
This is just one example of the thousands of areas that Epigenetics impacts. Our genes affect food sensitivities and nutrient requirements, play a role in drug, chemical and toxin tolerance, and also determine detoxification and methylation capabilities. Nutrigenomics can help circumvent genetic issues and chronic illnesses related to epigenetics.
How to get started?
The most common gene tests use either blood or saliva. Quest Diagnostics, Genova Diagnostics and Counsyl all offer blood gene testing that must be ordered through a health care practitioner. The least expensive, most thorough and most accessible option is however offered by 23andMe and ancestry.com. As of the writing of this article, these test are below $100US and offer saliva testing analyzing more than 400,000 SNPs.
How to make further use of gene testing
After receiving your test results, there are a few independent applications that can run your raw data, giving you specific information about a number of important SNPs. If you want Birgitte Rodh to make a customized health report based on your SNPs you will need an application from MTHFRSupport.com
Looking at the genes related to personal sensitivities has helped many people sort out which foods they need to avoid, or moderate, and to find foods and selected supplements to bypass areas that aren’t working well. Genomics and Nutrigenomics are still fields in the making, but they offer valuable insights into a variety of issues and conditions, as well as optimistic encouragement for those who have exhausted other methods for healing.
Let Birgitte Rodh know if you need her assistance for checking your genes and customizing a diet that targets your specific needs.